{"id":38793,"date":"2022-05-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-28T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/?p=38793"},"modified":"2025-12-16T14:25:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T13:25:16","slug":"things-to-do-in-santa-cruz-de-la-palma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/en\/spain\/things-to-do-in-santa-cruz-de-la-palma\/","title":{"rendered":"12 fun things to do in Santa Cruz de la Palma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Santa Cruz de la Palma is the charming capital of the Canary Island of La Palma. What are the best things to do? You can read all about it in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

About Santa Cruz de la Palma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Santa Cruz de la Palma is located in the east of the Canary Island of La Palma and is also the island’s capital. Santa Cruz is the main port of the island and has good ferry connections with C\u00e1diz, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city was founded in 1493 and many beautiful colonial buildings can be found. Therefore, it has a very nice historic city center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I myself visited Santa Cruz de la Palma during a sailing trip in the Canary Islands and I was pleasantly surprised. It is an interesting town with beautiful sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun things to do in Santa Cruz de la Palma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz de la Palma? And what are the most beautiful places to visit? 12 tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balcones de la Avenida Mar\u00edtima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Balcones de la Avenida Mar\u00edtima are wooden balconies on colored houses and a must see when you are in Santa Cruz de la Palma. It’s so photogenic! The balconies are on the back of the houses and were formerly used for ventilation. And in this way, the sewage water could easily flow into the sea via the street (fortunately not anymore). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Balcones<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Museo Naval – Barco de la Virgen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the middle of the town is a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ ships. This ship also serves as the maritime museum of La Palma. You can learn more about the history of the conquest of La Palma and the current state of seafaring on the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next to the museum is the funny Monumento a El Enano, with a statue of a little Napoleon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Castillo de La Virgen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few minutes away you will find the bright white Castillo de La Virgin from the seventeenth century. A long time ago, it was used to stop pirates from coming close to the shore, but now it is a nice viewpoint. Walk along the castle wall with cannons for a nice view of the city and the sea. You can visit it for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Castillo<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Real Castillo de Santa Catalina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Santa Cruz, you can see another castle: the Real Castillo de Santa Catalina. It is a former royal castle and long ago the main gateway to the city. This has existed since the sixteenth century, was destroyed and rebuilt in the seventeenth century, and a historic monument since 1951. You can visit the castle for free. Please note: opening hours are limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Plaza de Espa\u00f1a is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in the city. On the north side is the impressive church Parroquia Matriz de El Salvador. On the other side of the square are several historic buildings from the sixteenth century. It’s an impressive sight and there are many special details to discover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Plaza<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nuestra Senora de las Nieves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just outside the city, you will find the most beautiful church: Real Santuario de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de Las Nieves. It takes a while to get there (20 minutes by bus or 50 minutes on foot), but it is definitely worth it. This church belongs to the patron saint of La Palma, the Madonna of the Snow. It is a pilgrim church and very beautifully decorated with lots of gold, silver, and paintings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is beautifully situated between the palm trees and from here you have a great view of the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playa de Bajamar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fancy taking a dip? Then the small Playa de Bajamar is a great beach to visit. It is a black sand beach and from here you have a nice view of the harbor, where a huge cruise ship regularly moors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playa de Santa Cruz de la Palma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you need more space and do you want to be closer to the city? Playa de Santa Cruz de la Palma is also a black sand beach and follows almost the entire Avenida Maritima (where you can see the beautiful balconies). There are some beautiful artworks on the beach, such as this whale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Black<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Calle O’Daly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Calle O’Daly is a shopping street that you should visit even if you don’t like shopping. It’s filled with beautiful historic buildings! With many different colors and beautiful wood carvings. The beautiful Plaza de Espa\u00f1a is also located on this street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Calle<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Calle<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirador de La Concepci\u00f3n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking for the most beautiful view of La Palma? Then you have to go to Mirador de La Concepci\u00f3n. This is also slightly out of town (it’s an hour by foot or 25 minutes by bus via many winding roads), but it’s absolutely worth it. You look out over a volcano crater, the city, and the sea, a gorgeous view!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plaza San Francisco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the largest plazas in the city is Plaza San Francisco. This used to be a monastery and now it is a museum; Museo Insular de La Palma. The museum is unfortunately temporarily closed, but the square is still worth a visit. There are several benches for you to relax on while enjoying all the beautiful buildings you see here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Plaza<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Go hiking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

La Palma is a perfect island for hiking enthusiasts and there are many trails to be found around the capital. You will regularly come across signs with destinations where you can hike to (with the number of kilometers), so follow them and be surprised! Do you prefer hiking with a plan? Then it is useful to bring this La Palma hiking guide<\/a> with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to stay in Santa Cruz de la Palma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Would you like to visit Santa Cruz de la Palma and are you looking for a place to stay? That’s a good idea because it’s also a lovely town to visit in the evening. There are many cute tapas bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some great places to stay in Santa Cruz de la Palma:<\/p>\n\n\n\n